EP3354467B1 - Liquid discharge apparatus and liquid discharge head - Google Patents

Liquid discharge apparatus and liquid discharge head Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3354467B1
EP3354467B1 EP18153161.7A EP18153161A EP3354467B1 EP 3354467 B1 EP3354467 B1 EP 3354467B1 EP 18153161 A EP18153161 A EP 18153161A EP 3354467 B1 EP3354467 B1 EP 3354467B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
liquid
channel
discharge
pressure
common
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18153161.7A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3354467A1 (en
Inventor
Naozumi Nabeshima
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Publication of EP3354467A1 publication Critical patent/EP3354467A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3354467B1 publication Critical patent/EP3354467B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/015—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process
    • B41J2/04—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand
    • B41J2/045—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/18—Ink recirculation systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
    • B41J2/14016—Structure of bubble jet print heads
    • B41J2/14032—Structure of the pressure chamber
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
    • B41J2/14201—Structure of print heads with piezoelectric elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17596—Ink pumps, ink valves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a liquid discharge apparatus and a liquid discharge head that discharge liquid.
  • High-speed and stable discharge of a high-viscosity liquid of which the viscosity is high may be demanded of liquid discharge apparatuses.
  • ink jet recording apparatuses which are a type of liquid discharge apparatuses, to discharge high-viscosity liquid at high speeds and in a stable manner.
  • High-viscosity liquid is used to suppress permeation of the liquid into the recording medium, so as to record on recording media such as plain paper with high quality at high speeds.
  • Channels resistance of channels through which the liquid flows increases when using high-viscosity liquid. Accordingly, the amount of supplied liquid may be insufficient, and as a result, defective discharge may occur.
  • One conceivable way to suppress such defective discharge is to increase the cross-sectional area of the channel, thereby reducing the channel resistance, but this method also leads to increased size of the apparatus.
  • Japanese Patent No. 5,029,395 discloses a liquid discharge apparatus capable of suppressing defective discharge while suppressing increase in size.
  • This liquid discharge apparatus includes a supplying common channel that supplies liquid, a discharge unit that discharges liquid, a circulatory common channel that recovers liquid, and assisting means that circulate the liquid in the order of the supplying common channel, discharge unit, and circulatory common channel.
  • This liquid discharge apparatus forcibly circulates liquid using the assisting means, so liquid supply capability to the discharge unit is improved. Accordingly, insufficient supply of liquid can be suppressed, and as a result, defective discharge can be suppressed.
  • the liquid discharge apparatus described in Japanese Patent No. 5,029,395 supplies liquid to be discharged and liquid to generate backpressure together to the discharge unit, increasing the flow rate of liquid flowing through the discharge unit.
  • the channel resistance of the discharge unit is relatively high due to structural constraints, so the greater the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the discharge unit is, the greater the pressure loss is. Accordingly, increasing the flow rate for even higher speed discharge increases the backpressure at the discharge unit, and the backpressure may exceed the appropriate range of backpressure for the discharge unit. This leads to disorder of droplets being discharged, and defective discharge occurs as a result.
  • JP 2006 068904 A discloses a liquid discharge apparatus having the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • US 2009/009569 A1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a liquid discharge head unit which includes a liquid discharge head including multiple liquid chambers connected to multiple nozzles for discharging liquid droplets, and a common liquid chamber including a liquid supply opening and a liquid discharge opening, to supply a liquid to the multiple liquid chambers; a sub tank including a liquid container, connected to the liquid supply opening to store the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head; a tank connected to the liquid discharge opening to store the liquid used for filling the liquid discharge head; and a mechanism to return the liquid in the tank to the sub tank.
  • US 2011/199440 discloses an example of an ink supply apparatus that has a supply flow channel connected to a head and a recovery flow channel also connected to the head. Between the supply flow channel and the recovery flow channel there is connected a bypass flow channel. In this bypass flow channel, there is arranged a bypass flow channel valve.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a liquid discharge apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the liquid discharge apparatus 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 is an ink jet recording apparatus that discharges ink that is a liquid onto a recording medium 200 such as paper or the like, thereby recording on the recording medium 200.
  • the recording medium 200 may be cut sheets cut to standard dimensions, or may be a roll sheet that is long in shape.
  • the liquid discharge apparatus 100 includes a conveying unit 1 that conveys the recording medium 200, and a liquid discharge head 2 that discharges liquid as to the recording medium 200 conveyed by the conveying unit 1 and records onto the recording medium 200.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 is a line-type (pagewide type) liquid discharge head that has a length corresponding to the width of the recording medium 200, and is disposed generally orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 200.
  • the liquid discharge apparatus 100 is a line recorder that performs single-pass continuous recording on the recording medium 200 using the liquid discharge head 2, while continuously or intermittently conveying the recording medium 200 using the conveying unit 1.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 is capable of discharging multiple types of liquid (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink).
  • the liquid discharge head 2 is connected by fluid connection to a tank (omitted from illustration) that stores liquid, via a channel (omitted from illustration) that supplies liquid to the liquid discharge head 2.
  • the tank may be divided into a main tank, buffer tank, or the like.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 is also electrically connected to a control unit (omitted from illustration) that transmits logic signals to drive and control the liquid discharge head 2.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 is not restricted to a line-type liquid discharge head, and may be a serial-type liquid discharge head that records while scanning the recording medium 200.
  • the liquid discharge method by which the liquid discharge head 2 discharges liquid is not restricted in particular. Examples of liquid discharge methods include the thermal method where liquid is discharged by generating bubbles using a heater, the piezoelectric method using a piezoelectric device, and various other liquid discharge methods.
  • Figs. 2A and 2B are channel diagrams schematically illustrating the configuration of channels of the liquid discharge head 2 through which liquid flows.
  • Fig. 2A illustrates the liquid discharge head 2 in a first state where liquid is flowing but discharge is not being performed
  • Fig. 2B illustrates the liquid discharge head 2 in a second state where liquid is flowing and discharge is being performed.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 includes discharge modules 3 that are discharge portions having discharge orifices 13 that discharge liquid (see Fig. 11 ), a common supply channel 4 that is a supply channel to supply liquid, and a common recovery channel 5 that is a recovery channel to recover liquid, as illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B . It is sufficient to have at least one discharge module 3, but the example in Figs. 2A and 2B has multiple discharge modules 3, which are connected in parallel. It is sufficient for each discharge module 3 to have at least one discharge orifice 13, but multiple discharge orifices 13 are provided to each discharge module 3 in the present embodiment.
  • the liquid is supplied to the discharge modules 3 (pressure chambers 23) via individual channels branching from X portions of the common supply channel 4, and is recovered to the common recovery channel 5 via individual channels.
  • the individual channels and the common recovery channel 5 are connected at Y portions in Figs. 2A and 2B .
  • the liquid discharge head 2 has an adjustment channel 6 that connects the common supply channel 4 and common recovery channel 5 to each other without going through the discharge modules 3.
  • the adjustment channel 6 connects the common supply channel 4 at the upstream side from all X portions where the common supply channel 4 is connected to the discharge modules 3, and the common recovery channel 5 at the upstream side from all Y portions where the common recovery channel 5 is connected to the discharge modules 3.
  • the channel resistance of the adjustment channel 6 is smaller than the channel resistance of the discharge module 3. More specifically, the channel resistance of the entire adjustment channel 6 is smaller than the flow resistance of the entire channels that include pressure chambers 23 and connect the common supply channel 4 and common recovery channel 5 (channels connecting the Xs and Ys in Figs. 2A and 2B .
  • the channel resistance of the adjustment channel 6 is smaller than the channel resistance of the channels that the liquid passes through when flowing through the discharge modules 3.
  • the adjustment channel 6 is provided with a valve 7, which is a first valve, that opens under a first opening pressure.
  • the first opening pressure is defined by differential pressure between the upstream side and downstream side of the valve 7.
  • the valve 7 specifically is opened when the differential pressure at the common supply channel 4 side and common recovery channel 5 side of the valve 7 is the first opening pressure or greater.
  • the first opening pressure is set beforehand to match a pressure (differential pressure) applied to the valve 7 when the flow rate of the liquid is a predetermined amount.
  • the liquid discharge apparatus 100 has a pump 10 serving as first flowage means that cause liquid to flow in the order of common supply channel 4, discharge module 3, and common recovery channel 5.
  • the installation position and so forth of the pump 10 is not restricted in particular, but in the present embodiment, the pump 10 is provided outside of the liquid discharge head 2, and specifically downstream of the common recovery channel 5.
  • the liquid discharge apparatus 100 in the present embodiment recovers liquid from the common recovery channel 5 and returns the liquid to a storage tank to be supplied to the common supply channel 4, thereby circulating the liquid between the tank and the liquid discharge head 2.
  • a configuration may be made where separate tanks are provided at each of the upstream side and downstream side of the liquid discharge head 2, with liquid being supplied from one tank to the common supply channel 4, and the liquid flowing from the common recovery channel 5 to the other tank.
  • Fig. 2A illustrates a first state (first flow mode) where liquid is flowing, but discharge is not being performed, as described above.
  • the substantive flow of liquid through channels in the liquid discharge head 2 is only a circulatory flow 20 indicated by solid arrows.
  • the circulatory flow 20 is a flow of liquid supplied from the common supply channel 4 and recovered at the common recovery channel 5 without being discharged.
  • the circulatory flow 20 flows in the order of common supply channel 4, discharge module 3, and common recovery channel 5 in the example in Fig. 2A .
  • the circulatory flow 20 is controlled by the pump 10 so as to be a constant flow.
  • the opening pressure (first opening pressure) of the valve 7 is set so as to be greater than the pressure applied to the valve 7 in the first state, so that the valve 7 does not open under the first state.
  • Fig. 2B illustrates the liquid discharge head 2 in a second state (second flow mode) where liquid is flowing and also discharge from the discharge orifices is being performed, as described above.
  • discharge flows 21, indicated by dotted line arrows, are generated within the channels of the liquid discharge head 2, in addition to the circulatory flow 20.
  • the discharge flows 21 flow in the order of the common supply channel 4 and discharge modules 3, and end at the discharge modules 3, being discharged from the discharge orifices.
  • the discharge flow 21 flows in addition to the circulatory flow 20, so the flow rate of the liquid increases, and as a result the pressure loss is greater than in the first state. Accordingly, the greater the discharge flow 21 is, the lower the pressure at the common recovery channel 5 is as compared to the pressure of the common supply channel 4.
  • the opening pressure of the valve 7 is set to match a pressure (differential pressure) applied to the valve 7 when the discharge flow 21 reaches a certain level or greater, and the flow rate of the circulatory flow 20 and discharge flow 21 combined reaches a predetermined amount.
  • the valve 7 is opened, the channel resistance of the adjustment channel 6 is smaller than the channel resistance of the discharge modules 3, so the liquid flows to the adjustment channel 6 with higher priority than the discharge modules 3.
  • part of the circulatory flow 20 that had been flowing in the order of common supply channel 4, discharge modules 3, and common recovery channel 5, is allocated to the adjustment channel 6. Accordingly, the flow rate flowing through the discharge modules 3 where the channel resistance is high can be reduced.
  • Fig. 3 is a channel diagram illustrating the relationship between the flow rate of liquid flowing through the liquid discharge head 2 and the pressure at the common recovery channel 5.
  • the pressure of the common recovery channel 5 corresponds to the backpressure of the discharge modules 3.
  • the flow rate when the range (inclination) of change of pressure as to the flow rate of the liquid is great, is a predetermined amount F where the valve 7 is opened, as illustrated in Fig. 3 .
  • the flow rate is smaller than the predetermined amount F and the valve 7 is not opened, all liquid flows into the discharge modules 3 where the channel resistance is great, so the pressure drop (increase in backpressure) as to the flow rate is great.
  • the valve 7 has opened, liquid also flows to the adjustment channel 6 where the channel resistance is small, so the flow rate flowing through the discharge modules 3 where the channel resistance is high decreases, and accordingly the flow in pressure as to the flow rate becomes gentle.
  • the increase in backpressure on the discharge modules 3 can be made to be gentle by opening the valve 7. Accordingly, defective discharge can be suppressed even when performing further high-speed discharge.
  • the adjustment channel 6 connects the upstream side of the common supply channel 4 and the upstream side of the common recovery channel 5 in the present embodiment, so there is no need for liquid lowing through the adjustment channel 6 to flow through the common supply channel 4, and the pressure loss can be further reduced. Accordingly, the increase in backpressure on the discharge modules 3 can be made to be gentler, and defective discharge can be further suppressed.
  • a liquid flow can be generated at discharge modules 3 that are not discharging liquid while the liquid discharge head 2 is recording in the present embodiment, so thickening of liquid within the discharge modules 3 can be suppressed. Further, thickened liquid and foreign matter in the liquid can be discharged to the common recovery channel 5. This enables defective discharge to be further suppressed.
  • Figs. 1 through 2B is only exemplary, and that this configuration is not restrictive.
  • the adjustment channel 6 and valve 7 is illustrated as being disposed within the liquid discharge head 2 in the example in Figs. 2A and 2B , but may be provided outside of the liquid discharge head 2.
  • Fig. 4 is a channel diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of channels of the liquid discharge head 2 through which liquid flows, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 shows the liquid discharge head 2 in the first state where liquid is flowing but discharge is not being performed.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 according to the present embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 4 has, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B , a pump 11 serving as second flowage means.
  • the pump 11 is provided on the downstream side of the common supply channel 4 from all X portions where the discharge modules 3 are connected, so as to cause liquid to flow through only the common supply channel 4 out of the channels of the liquid discharge head 2 (i.e., the discharge modules 3, common supply channel 4, common recovery channel 5, and adjustment channel 6).
  • the temperature of the liquid at the downstream side of the common supply channel 4 is higher as compared to the liquid at the upstream side, since the distance of passing through the liquid discharge head 2 is long. Accordingly, temperature difference occurs among liquid supplied to mutually adjacent discharge modules 3.
  • the amount of liquid flowing through the common supply channel 4 increases in the present embodiment due to the pump 11, so the increase in temperature of the liquid within the common supply channel 4 can be reduced. Accordingly, the temperature difference of liquid supplied to mutually adjacent discharge modules 3 can be suppressed, and deterioration in image quality can be suppressed.
  • Fig. 5 is a channel diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of channels of the liquid discharge head 2 through which liquid flows, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 shows the liquid discharge head 2 in the first state where liquid is flowing but discharge is not being performed.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 according to the present embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 5 has, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B , a valve 8, which is a second valve, provided on the upstream side from all X portions of the common supply channel 4 where the discharge modules 3 are connected.
  • the valve 8 opens under a second opening pressure that is lower than the first opening pressure, which is the opening pressure of the valve 7.
  • the recording duty (the ratio of regions actually recorded as to recording region) varies depending on the content of the image being recorded, so the amount of liquid that is discharges varies, and consequently, the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the discharge modules 3 varies.
  • the pressure within the discharge module 3 fluctuates, and this pressure fluctuation may lead to deterioration in image quality.
  • the valve 8 in the present embodiment opens at the second opening pressure that is lower than the first opening pressure, which is the opening pressure of the valve 7, so when the pump 10 runs, the valve 8 opens before the valve 7. Accordingly, the liquid flows as the circulatory flow 20 in the order of the common supply channel 4, discharge modules 3, and common recovery channel 5.
  • the pressure of the common supply channel 4 is regulated by the opening pressure of the valve 8 (second opening pressure) at this time, so fluctuation in the pressure in the discharge modules 3 corresponding to the flow rate of liquid can be suppressed. Accordingly, deterioration of image quality due to pressure fluctuation at the discharge modules 3 can be suppressed.
  • Fig. 6 is a channel diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of channels of the liquid discharge head 2 through which liquid flows, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 shows the liquid discharge head 2 in the first state where liquid is flowing but discharge is not being performed.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 according to the present embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 6 differs from the configuration of the third embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5 with regard to the point that the common supply channel 4 is divided into multiple channels downstream from the valve 8.
  • the common supply channel 4 is illustrated as being divided into two channels 4a and 4b, but may be divided into three or more channels.
  • At least two discharge modules 3 are connected to each of the channels 4a and 4b. That is to say, the liquid discharge head 2 has multiple discharge module groups (discharge portion groups) that include multiple discharge modules 3, with a channel connected to each of the discharge module groups.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 has multiple pressure chamber groups each including multiple pressure chambers 23, with a channel connected to each of the pressure chamber groups.
  • the channel 4a is disposed so as to carry liquid from one end portion of the liquid discharge head 2 toward the middle, and the channel 4b so as to carry liquid from the middle portion of the liquid discharge head 2 toward the other end portion.
  • the common supply channel 4 is divided into the channels 4a and 4b, so the flow rate of liquid flowing through each of the channels 4a and 4b can be reduced, and consequently the pressure loss occurring at the common supply channel 4 can be reduced. Accordingly, the backpressure of the discharge units can be kept within the appropriate range, so defective discharge can be further suppressed.
  • Fig. 7 is a channel diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of channels of the liquid discharge head 2 through which liquid flows, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 shows the liquid discharge head 2 in the first state where liquid is flowing but discharge is not being performed.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 according to the present embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7 differs from the configuration of the fourth embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 with regard to the layout of the two channels 4a and 4b.
  • the common supply channel 4 is divided into channels 4a and 4b at the middle portion of the liquid discharge head 2, and the channels 4a and 4b each extend toward different end portions from the middle portion of the liquid discharge head 2. Accordingly, the liquid flowing through each of the channels 4a and 4b head toward the end portions from the middle portion of the liquid discharge head 2.
  • the temperature of the liquid discharge head 2 rises due to the effects of energy generated to discharge the liquid, as described earlier. At this time, the temperature at the end portions of the liquid discharge head 2 usually is higher than the temperature at the middle portion.
  • the temperature of liquid flowing from the middle portion of the liquid discharge head 2 toward the end portions is low at the discharge modules 3 that are adjacent to each other at the middle, and increases toward the end portions. Accordingly, temperature difference of liquid supplied to adjacent discharge module 3 can be suppressed by the present embodiment in addition to the advantages of the fourth embodiment, and deterioration in image quality can be suppressed.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the channel configuration of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
  • the liquid discharge apparatus 100 is capable of discharging liquid of multiple types, only the channels corresponding to one type of liquid is illustrated in Fig. 8 .
  • the liquid discharge apparatus 100 illustrated in Fig. 8 includes the liquid discharge head 2, a main tank 101 that stores liquid, and a buffer tank 102 serving as a sub-tank that temporarily stores liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head 2.
  • the liquid discharge apparatus 100 has, as the pump 10 illustrated in Fig. 7 , a first circulatory pump 10a and a second circulatory pump 10b that circulate liquid between the liquid discharge head 2 and buffer tank 102.
  • the main tank 101 and buffer tank 102 are connected to each other via a replenishing pump 103.
  • the replenishing pump 103 transports liquid of the amount that has been consumed from the main tank 101 to the buffer tank 102.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 includes a liquid discharge unit 300, liquid connecting portions 202 and 203 that are externally connectable, and a liquid supply unit 220 that supplies liquid to and recovers liquid from the liquid discharge unit 300.
  • the liquid discharge unit 300 has the discharge modules 3, common supply channel 4, and common recovery channel 5, illustrated in Fig. 7 .
  • the downstream side of the common recovery channel 5 is connected to the liquid connecting portion 202 via the liquid supply unit 220, and the upstream side of the common supply channel 4 is connected to the liquid connecting portion 203 via the liquid supply unit 220.
  • the liquid connecting portion 202 are connected to the buffer tank 102 via the first circulatory pump 10a, and the liquid connecting portion 203 is connected to the buffer tank 102 via the second circulatory pump 10b.
  • the first circulatory pump 10a preferably is a positive displacement pump that has quantitative liquid feeding capabilities.
  • Specific examples of the first circulatory pump 10a include tube pumps, gear pumps, diaphragm pumps, syringe pumps, and so forth, but these are not restrictive.
  • an arrangement may be made where a constant flow is ensured by disposing a common-use constant-flow value and relief valve at the outlet of the first circulatory pump 10a.
  • the second circulatory pump 10b have a certain lift pressure or greater, within the range of flow rate of liquid used when driving the liquid discharge head 2, and turbo pumps, positive-displacement pumps, and the like can be used.
  • a diaphragm pump or the like can be used as the second circulatory pump 10b.
  • the first circulatory pump 10a and second circulatory pump 10b operate to supply liquid within the buffer tank 102 to the liquid discharge head 2 from the liquid connecting portion 203, and further to recover liquid from the liquid connecting portion 202 and return it to the buffer tank 102. Accordingly, a constant amount of liquid flows in the order of the common supply channel 4, discharge modules 3, and common recovery channel 5.
  • the flow rate of the liquid is preferably set to a certain level or higher, so that the temperature difference among the discharge modules 3 of the liquid discharge head 2 does not affect the image quality. However, if the flow rate is set too high, the difference in negative pressure among the discharge modules 3 may become too high due to the effect of pressure loss in the channels within the liquid discharge unit 300, and unevenness may occur in the images. Accordingly, the flow rate of the liquid is preferably set as appropriate, taking into consideration the temperature difference and negative pressure difference among the discharge modules 3.
  • the liquid supply unit 220 has a negative pressure control unit 205 that controls pressure using negative pressure, and a filter 206 that removes foreign matter in the liquid, provided on the channel connecting the liquid connecting portion 202 and liquid discharge unit 300.
  • the negative pressure control unit 205 has a valve function of operating to maintain pressure at the downstream side of the negative pressure control unit 205 at a control pressure set beforehand, even in a case where the flow rate of liquid circulating through the circulatory channels changes due to varying recording duty.
  • the negative pressure control unit 205 has two pressure adjustment mechanisms 205a and 205b, set to different control pressures from each other.
  • the control pressure of the first pressure adjustment mechanism 205a is higher than the control pressure of the second pressure adjustment mechanism 205b.
  • the input end of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205a is connected to the liquid connecting portion 203 via the filter 206, and the output end of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205a is connected to the common supply channel 4.
  • the input end of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205b is connected to the liquid connecting portion 203 via the filter 206, and the output end of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205b is connected to the common recovery channel 5.
  • the pressure adjustment mechanism 205a functions as the valve 8 illustrated in Fig. 7
  • the pressure adjustment mechanism 205b functions as the valve 7.
  • the channel connecting the output end of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205b and the common recovery channel 5 is the adjustment channel 6.
  • the control pressure of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205a corresponds to the second opening pressure
  • the control pressure of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205b corresponds to the first opening pressure.
  • the pressure adjustment mechanisms 205a and 205b are not restricted in particular as long as capable of controlling pressure downstream thereof to fluctuation within a certain range centered on the control pressure.
  • a mechanism equivalent to a so-called "pressure-reducing regulator” can be employed as a pressure adjustment mechanism.
  • the upstream side of the negative pressure control unit 205 is preferably pressurized by the second circulatory pump 10b via the liquid supply unit 220. This enables the effects of water head pressure of the buffer tank 102 as to the liquid discharge head 2 to be suppressed, giving broader freedom in the layout of the buffer tank 102 in the liquid discharge apparatus 100.
  • a water head tank disposed with a certain water head difference as to the negative pressure control unit 205b may be used instead of the second circulatory pump 10b.
  • a channel 207 that connects the output end of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205a and the common supply channel 4 is branched at a branch point D, and connected to the respective supply points S1 and S2.
  • the adjustment channel 6 is connected to the supply point S3.
  • the control pressure of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205a connected to the common supply channel 4 is higher than the control pressure of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205b connected to the common recovery channel 5 as described earlier, with the first circulatory pump 10a being connected to the common recovery channel 5 alone. Accordingly, when the first circulatory pump 10a runs, flows of liquid are generated from the common supply channel 4 toward the common recovery channel 5 through the discharge modules 3, as indicated by the outline arrows in Fig. 8 .
  • the pressure in the common supply channel 4 drops due to pressure loss generated when the liquid flows through the common supply channel 4, discharge modules 3, and common recovery channel 5.
  • the pressure falls to below the control pressure of the pressure adjustment mechanism 205b, a flow of liquid is generated that does not pass through the discharge modules 3. Accordingly, the increase in pressure as to the flow rate becomes gentle in the present embodiment as well, so even in a case of performing discharge at even higher speeds, defective discharge can be suppressed.
  • Fig. 9 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating the parts and units making up the liquid discharge head 2.
  • the liquid discharge head 2 has the liquid discharge unit 300, liquid supply unit 220, and an electric wiring board 90 attached to a case 80.
  • the liquid connecting portions (see 202 and 203 in Fig. 8 ) are provided to the liquid supply unit 220.
  • Filters for each color are provided communicating with each opening of the liquid connecting portions, in order to remove foreign material in liquid that is supplied thereto.
  • the liquids that have passed the filters are supplied to the negative pressure control units 205 disposed upon the liquid supply unit 220 in accordance with the respective colors.
  • the negative pressure control units 205 are units made of pressure adjustment valves for the respective colors.
  • the negative pressure control units 205 markedly reduce pressure drop fluctuation within the supply system of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 (supply system at the upstream side of the liquid discharge head 2) that occurs due to change in the flow rate of liquid, by the workings of the valves, spring members, and so forth, provided therein. Accordingly, the change in negative pressure downstream from the pressure control unit (toward the liquid discharge unit 300 side) can be stabilized within a certain range.
  • Two pressure adjustment valves are built in for each color, each being set to a different control pressure.
  • the high-pressure side valve of the two pressure adjustment valves is connected to a common supply channel 211 within the liquid discharge unit 300, and the low-pressure side to a common recovery channel 212, via the liquid supply unit 220.
  • the case 80 is configured including a liquid discharge unit support member 81 and electric wiring board support member 82, and supports the liquid discharge unit 300 and electric wiring board 90 as well as securing rigidity of the liquid discharge head 2.
  • the electric wiring board support member 82 is for supporting the electric wiring board 90, and is fixed by being screwed to the liquid discharge unit support member 81.
  • the liquid discharge unit support member 81 serves to correct warping and deformation of the liquid discharge unit 300, and thus secure relative positional accuracy of the multiple discharge modules 3 (more precisely, the recording element boards 111 illustrated in Fig. 10 ), thereby suppressing unevenness in the recorded article. Accordingly, the liquid discharge unit support member 81 preferably has sufficient rigidity. Examples of suitable materials includes metal materials such as stainless steel and aluminum, and ceramics such as alumina.
  • the liquid discharge unit support member 81 has openings 83 through 86 into which joint rubber members 25 are inserted. Liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit 220 passes through a joint rubber member and is guided to a third channel member 70 which is a part making up the liquid discharge unit 300.
  • the liquid discharge unit 300 is made up of multiple discharge modules 3 and a channel member 210, and a cover member 130 is attached to the face of the liquid discharge unit 300 that faces the recording medium.
  • the cover member 130 is a member having a frame-shaped face where a long opening 131 is provided.
  • the recording element boards 111 included in the discharge module 3 and a sealant are exposed from the opening 131.
  • the frame portion on the perimeter of the opening 131 functions as a contact surface for a cap member that caps off the liquid discharge head 2 when in standby. Accordingly, a closed space is preferably formed when capping, by coating the perimeter of the opening 131 with an adhesive agent, sealant, filling member, or the like, to fill in roughness and gaps on the discharge orifice face of the liquid discharge unit 300.
  • the channel member 210 is an article formed by laminating a first channel member 50, a second channel member 60, and the third channel member 70.
  • the channel member 210 has a channel that supplies liquid to the discharge modules 3 (recording element boards 111) and a channel to recover liquid from the discharge modules 3, while supporting the discharge modules 3 (recording element boards 111).
  • the channel member 210 is a channel member that distributes the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit 220 to each of the discharge modules 3, and returns liquid recirculating from the discharge modules 3 to the liquid supply unit 220.
  • the channel member 210 is fixed to the liquid discharge unit support member 81 by screws, thereby suppressing warping and deformation of the channel member 210.
  • the multiple discharge modules 3 are provided on the first channel member 50 in a straight line, and as a result, multiple recording element boards 111 are arrayed in a straight line.
  • the first through third channel members 50 through 70 preferably are corrosion-resistant as to the liquid, and formed from a material having a low linear expansion coefficient.
  • suitable materials include composite materials (resin materials) where inorganic filler such as fine particles of silica or fiber or the like has been added to a base material.
  • the base material include alumina, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenyl sulfide (PPS), polysulfone (PSF), and denatured polyphenylene ether (PPE).
  • LCP liquid crystal polymer
  • PPS polyphenyl sulfide
  • PSF polysulfone
  • PPE denatured polyphenylene ether
  • the channel member 210 may be formed by laminating the three channel members and adhering, or in a case of selecting a composite resin material for the material, the three channel members may be joined by fusing.
  • the multiple liquid connecting portions that connect the liquid discharge head 2 to the outside by fluid connection are disposed together at one end side of the liquid discharge head 2 in the longitudinal direction.
  • Multiple negative pressure units 230 are disposed together at the other end side of the liquid discharge head 2.
  • Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate an example of a discharge module 3.
  • Fig. 10A is a perspective view of a discharge module 3
  • Fig. 10B is a disassembled view of the discharge module 3.
  • the method of manufacturing the discharge module 3 is as follows. First, a recording element board 111 and flexible printed circuit board 40 are adhered upon a support member 30 in which liquid communication ports 31 have been formed beforehand. Subsequently, terminals 16 on the recording element board 111 are electrically connected to terminals 41 on the flexible printed circuit board 40 by wire bonding, following which the wire-bonded portion (electric connection portion) is covered and sealed by a sealant 110.
  • the support member 30 is a support member that supports the recording element board 111, and also is a channel member communicating between the recording element board 111 and the channel member 210 by fluid connection. Accordingly, the support member 30 should have a high degree of flatness, and also should be able to be joined to the recording element board 111 with a high degree of reliability. Examples of suitable materials for the support member 30 include alumina and resin materials.
  • the discharge module 3 is not restricted to the above-described configuration, and various forms may be applied. It is sufficient for the discharge module 3 to have at least an energy-generating element 24 that generates energy used for discharging liquid, a pressure chamber having the energy-generating element 24 within, and a discharge orifice 13 that discharges the liquid.
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a cross-section of the recording element board 111 and a cover plate 150. The flow of liquid inside the recording element board 111 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 .
  • the cover plate 150 functions as a lid making up part of the walls of liquid supply channels 18 and liquid recovery channels 19 formed on a substrate 151 of the recording element board 111.
  • the recording element board 111 is formed by laminating the substrate 151 formed of silicon (Si) and a discharge orifice forming member 12 formed of a photosensitive resin, with the cover plate 150 joined on the rear face of the substrate 151.
  • Recording elements 15 are formed on one face side of the substrate 151, with the grooves making up the liquid supply channels 18 and liquid recovery channels 19 extending along the discharge orifice rows being formed at the reverse side thereof.
  • the liquid supply channels 18 and liquid recovery channels 19 formed by the substrate 151 and cover plane 150 are respectively connected to the common supply channels 211 and common recovery channels 212 within the channel member 210, and there is differential pressure between the liquid supply channels 18 and liquid recovery channels 19.
  • the liquid flows as follows due to differential pressure at the discharge orifices 13 that are not performing discharge operations. That is to say, the liquid within the liquid supply channel 18 provided within the substrate 151 flows to the liquid recovery channel 19 via a supply port 17a, pressure chamber 23, and recovery port 17b (arrow C in Fig. 12).
  • the liquid flows from the liquid connection portions of the liquid supply unit 220 into the liquid discharge head 2.
  • the liquid then is supplied to the joint rubber members 25, communication ports 72 and common channel grooves 71 provided to the third channel member, common channel grooves 62 and communication ports 61 provided to the second channel member, and individual channel grooves 52 and communication ports 51 provided to the first channel member.
  • the liquid is supplied to the pressure chambers 23 in the order of the liquid supply channels 18 and supply ports 17a provided to the substrate 151.
  • the liquid that has been supplied to the pressure chambers 23 but not discharged from the discharge orifices 13 flows in the order of the recovery ports 17b and liquid recovery channels 19 provided to the substrate 151, the openings 21 provided to the cover plate 150, and the liquid communication ports 31 provided to the support member 30.
  • the liquid flows in the order of the communication ports 51 and individual channel grooves 52 provided to the first channel member 50, the communication ports 61 and common channel grooves 62 provided to the second channel member 60, the common channel grooves 71 and communication ports 72 provided to the third channel member 70, and the joint rubber members 25.
  • the liquid further flows outside of the liquid discharge head 2 from the liquid connection portions provided to the liquid supply unit 220.
  • liquid within a pressure chamber 23 which has an energy-generating element 24 within that is used for discharging liquid, can be circulated between inside and outside of the pressure chamber 23.
  • the liquid discharge apparatus 100 is not restricted to being an ink jet recording apparatus, and may be anything that discharges liquid.
  • a first valve that is opened under a first opening pressure is provided in an adjustment channel connecting a supply channel and a recovery channel, and the channel resistance of the adjustment channel is smaller than the channel resistance of a discharge portion. Accordingly, when discharge of liquid is performed by the discharge portion and the flow rate of liquid supplied to the discharge portion increases, the pressure at the recover channel falls, and the first valve can be opened. In this case, part of the liquid supplied to the discharge portion is allocated to the adjustment channel where channel resistance is lower than that at the discharge portion. Accordingly, the flow rate of liquid flowing through the discharge portion where the channel resistance is high can be reduced, so the increase on pressure loss can be made gentle even in a case where further high-speed discharge is performed. Accordingly, the backpressure of the discharge portion can be kept within an appropriate range even in a case where further high-speed discharge is performed, so defective discharge can be suppressed.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)
EP18153161.7A 2017-01-31 2018-01-24 Liquid discharge apparatus and liquid discharge head Active EP3354467B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2017015515A JP6878020B2 (ja) 2017-01-31 2017-01-31 液体吐出装置および液体吐出ヘッド

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3354467A1 EP3354467A1 (en) 2018-08-01
EP3354467B1 true EP3354467B1 (en) 2020-10-28

Family

ID=61024642

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18153161.7A Active EP3354467B1 (en) 2017-01-31 2018-01-24 Liquid discharge apparatus and liquid discharge head

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US10618306B2 (zh)
EP (1) EP3354467B1 (zh)
JP (1) JP6878020B2 (zh)
KR (1) KR102279172B1 (zh)
CN (1) CN108372721B (zh)
BR (1) BR102018001810B1 (zh)
RU (1) RU2687629C1 (zh)
TW (1) TWI702152B (zh)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP7218534B2 (ja) * 2018-10-10 2023-02-07 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 インクジェット記録装置及びクリーニング方法
JP7183786B2 (ja) * 2018-12-28 2022-12-06 ブラザー工業株式会社 制御装置及びプログラム
GB2584617B (en) * 2019-05-21 2021-10-27 Xaar Technology Ltd Piezoelectric droplet deposition apparatus optimised for high viscosity fluids, and methods and control system therefor

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4555709A (en) * 1984-04-12 1985-11-26 The Mead Corporation Ink reconstitution system and method for ink drop printer
US5231424A (en) 1990-02-26 1993-07-27 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink jet recording apparatus with efficient circulation recovery
JP3106013B2 (ja) 1992-09-02 2000-11-06 キヤノン株式会社 インクジェット記録装置の回復方法
JP4557641B2 (ja) * 2004-08-31 2010-10-06 株式会社リコー 液滴吐出装置
JP4830659B2 (ja) * 2006-06-16 2011-12-07 富士ゼロックス株式会社 液滴吐出装置
US20080158321A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-03 Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha Ink jet recording apparatus, ink supplying mechanism and ink jet recording method
JP2009018566A (ja) * 2007-06-14 2009-01-29 Seiko Epson Corp 流体供給装置、流体噴射装置及び流体供給方法
JP5169041B2 (ja) * 2007-07-03 2013-03-27 株式会社リコー 液体吐出ヘッドユニット、画像形成装置
JP4971942B2 (ja) * 2007-10-19 2012-07-11 富士フイルム株式会社 インクジェット記録装置及び記録方法
JP5029395B2 (ja) 2008-02-01 2012-09-19 富士ゼロックス株式会社 液滴吐出装置
JP5190297B2 (ja) * 2008-05-15 2013-04-24 理想科学工業株式会社 インクジェットプリンタ
JP5486191B2 (ja) * 2009-01-09 2014-05-07 理想科学工業株式会社 インクジェットプリンタ
JP5371475B2 (ja) * 2009-02-17 2013-12-18 キヤノン株式会社 インクジェット記録ヘッド及びそのクリーニング方法
JP5178577B2 (ja) * 2009-02-23 2013-04-10 富士フイルム株式会社 インクジェットヘッド及びインクジェット記録方法
JP5569020B2 (ja) * 2010-02-15 2014-08-13 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体噴射装置
JP5438622B2 (ja) * 2010-07-30 2014-03-12 富士フイルム株式会社 液体供給装置及び液体吐出装置並びに圧力制御方法
EP2629976B1 (en) * 2010-10-19 2021-04-21 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Dual regulator print module
US8657420B2 (en) * 2010-12-28 2014-02-25 Fujifilm Corporation Fluid recirculation in droplet ejection devices
JP6139099B2 (ja) * 2012-10-30 2017-05-31 エスアイアイ・プリンテック株式会社 液体噴射ユニット、液体噴射ユニットの使用方法及び液体噴射装置
JP6195368B2 (ja) * 2013-11-11 2017-09-13 キヤノン株式会社 液体吐出ヘッド
JP6291378B2 (ja) * 2014-07-30 2018-03-14 理想科学工業株式会社 インクジェット印刷装置

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP6878020B2 (ja) 2021-05-26
TWI702152B (zh) 2020-08-21
KR20200067247A (ko) 2020-06-12
BR102018001810B1 (pt) 2023-10-31
BR102018001810A2 (pt) 2019-03-26
US10618306B2 (en) 2020-04-14
RU2687629C1 (ru) 2019-05-15
JP2018122483A (ja) 2018-08-09
EP3354467A1 (en) 2018-08-01
KR102279172B1 (ko) 2021-07-19
TW201832945A (zh) 2018-09-16
CN108372721A (zh) 2018-08-07
US20180215168A1 (en) 2018-08-02
CN108372721B (zh) 2020-08-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10040288B2 (en) Liquid ejection module and liquid ejection head
JP6808324B2 (ja) 液体吐出記録装置及び液体吐出ヘッド
CN109572221B (zh) 液体喷射装置和液体喷射头
US10040292B2 (en) Liquid ejection substrate, liquid ejection head, and liquid ejection apparatus
US10195868B2 (en) Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting head
JP2023029648A (ja) 液体吐出ヘッド、液体吐出装置及び液体の供給方法
JP7328383B2 (ja) 液体吐出ヘッド及び液体吐出方法
JP6794239B2 (ja) 液体吐出装置および液体吐出ヘッド
US10583662B2 (en) Liquid supply apparatus, liquid ejection head, and liquid supply method
JP6881963B2 (ja) 液体吐出装置、液体吐出ヘッド及び液体の供給方法
AU2016277743A1 (en) Liquid ejection substrate, liquid ejection head, and liquid ejection apparatus
JP6900181B2 (ja) 液体吐出装置
JP6987497B2 (ja) 液体吐出モジュールおよび液体吐出ヘッド
EP3354467B1 (en) Liquid discharge apparatus and liquid discharge head
US10569558B2 (en) Liquid ejection head and recording apparatus
US9815287B2 (en) Liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus
JP2017124618A (ja) 液体吐出装置および液体吐出方法
JP6860333B2 (ja) 液体吐出ヘッドおよび記録装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20190201

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200116

GRAJ Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTC Intention to grant announced (deleted)
INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200526

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602018009014

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1327825

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20201115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1327825

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20201028

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20201028

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210301

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210128

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210129

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210128

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210228

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602018009014

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210124

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20210729

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210131

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210124

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20180124

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231219

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231219

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231219

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201028